By Leigh Ellen Eades
I tend to be an all or nothing kind of girl, but lately God has been challenging me to slow down. Now, for someone who bounces out of bed on a mission that’s not easy– at least not on most days. Some days I nap. But all joking aside, I’ve been working on slowing my pace.
When I visit the grocery store, I’m trying to walk a little slower and speak a little more. I’m concentrating on shifting my focus from the list in my hand to the people around my cart.
Because when I get to the heart of God’s challenge, I think what He’s really wanting is for me to be more driven by love and less controlled by my list. And so, perhaps this isn’t as much about the pace I keep, but about the love I show.
It shouldn’t surprise me that God is wanting me to be more intentional about showing His love. After all, God is love, and loving one another is His command.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34
But why? Why should we love one another?
Isn’t love risky? And doesn’t it take time?
If you’re asking these questions, so am I. What I’m discovering is that this love isn’t about me. It’s about God. It’s about honoring Him by keeping His command to love one another. It’s about being a vessel by which He can reach the world. And, it’s about denying ourselves for the sake of His glory.
But loving others isn’t always easy. Sometimes we must remind ourselves to show them love.
Tweet This“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?
Even sinners love those who love them.” Luke 6:32
I’m finding that the thing about obeying God’s command to love is that I don’t get to pick and choose who I love. God wants us to love all people – even the ones who won’t love us in return. When Jesus gave up His life on the cross, He set the standard for love. He didn’t reserve His sacrifice just for the ones who had been good to Him. He offered salvation to all people, even the ones who were nailing Him to the cross.
Talk about goals! This is the kind of love I want to have. When I look at the world I want to be filled with compassion and moved into action regardless of how I am treated.
How about you? Do you want to be driven by love more than you are controlled by your list?
Let’s start a list in the comments of ways we can love one another. Who knows maybe your idea will spark an action in someone else that spreads God’s love to the world.
Leigh Ellen
Leigh Ellen Eades is a writer, but more so a friend. Her mission is to encourage women who are weary and wounded with the promises of God. She desires to help women develop a deeper relationship with God so they can live confident, victorious lives. She’s passionate about her family, treasures coffee with friends and relishes quiet moments reading a book. You can connect with Leigh Ellen on Facebook, Twitter or her website.
Website: www.raisinganarrow.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/raisinganarrow.org
Twitter: www.twitter.com/leighellen7
Leigh Ellen, I needed this today. Thank you for sharing such an encouraging word here at Mitzi’s place. Remembering this as I navigate the day ahead:)
Hi Kristine,
Thank you for your encouraging words about Leigh Ellen’s post. It was a good reminder of how we need to go about our daily walk and business.
Mitzi